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Tamguatlay Posted 4 years ago
Grammar

Should there be a comma before "which"?

He is motivated by fear which is often irrational and with no basis for it.
Should there be a comma before "which"?
Thanks.
  

Top answer

tamguatlay Should there be a comma before "which"? " Whether or not to include the comma depends on what you mean. The difference is between defining and non-defining clauses.

— Anonymous

  • tamguatlay Should there be a comma before "which"?
  • " Whether or not to include the comma depends on what you mean.
  • The difference is between defining and non-defining clauses.
  • With a comma, his fear is what motivates him, and it often is irrational.
  • Without a comma, the fear that motivates him is irrational.
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3 Answers
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tamguatlayShould there be a comma before "which"?

The sentence needs a touch-up: " He is motivated by fear which is often irrational and baseless." Whether or not to include the comma depends on what you mean. The difference is between defining and non-defining clauses. With a comma, his fear is what motivates him, and it often is irrational. Without a comm

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I wouldn't put a comma there. I see the which-clause as a defining relative one modifying the head of the NP fear, a complement in the PP.

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tamguatlayShould there be a comma before "which"?

It sounds like a general property of fear, so I'd use a comma.

If it were a specific kind of fear, it would have the article 'a' (though optional) and no comma and no "often".

He is motivated by (a) fear which is irrational and baseless.

CJ

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